ALTIMETER SYSTEM AND ALTITUDE REPORTING EQUIPMENT TESTS AND
INSPECTIONS.

(a)
No person may operate an airplane, or helicopter, in controlled
airspace under IFR unless--

(1)
Within the preceding 24 calendar months, each static pressure
system, each altimeter instrument, and each automatic pressure
altitude reporting system has been tested and inspected and
found to comply with Appendix E of
part 43 of this chapter;

(2)
Except for the use of system drain and alternate static pressure
valves, following any opening and closing of the static pressure
system, that system has been tested and inspected and found
to comply with paragraph (a), appendices E and F, of part
43 of this chapter; and

(3)
Following installation or maintenance on the automatic pressure
altitude reporting system of the ATC transponder where data
correspondence error could be introduced, the integrated system
has been tested, inspected, and found to comply with paragraph
(c), Appendix E, of part 43 of
this chapter.

(b)
The tests required by paragraph (a) of this section must be
conducted by--

(1)
The manufacturer of the airplane, or helicopter, on which
the tests and inspections are to be performed;

(2)
A certificated repair station properly equipped to perform
those functions and holding--

(i)
An instrument rating, Class I;
(ii) A limited instrument rating appropriate to the make
and model of appliance to be tested;
(iii) A limited rating appropriate to the test to be performed;
(iv) An airframe rating appropriate to the airplane, or
helicopter, to be tested; or
[(v) deleted]

(3)
A certificated mechanic with an airframe rating (static pressure
system tests and inspections only).

(c)
Altimeter and altitude reporting equipment approved under Technical
Standard Orders are considered to be tested and inspected as
of the date of their manufacture.

(d)
No person may operate an airplane, or helicopter, in controlled
airspace under IFR at an altitude above the maximum altitude
at which all altimeters and the automatic altitude reporting
system of that airplane, or helicopter, have been tested.